New Age Guru and a featured teacher on “The Secret”, James Arthur Ray, held a “Spiritual Warrior” retreat in October 2009, in which three people died and eighteen others were injured after participating in a sweat lodge. It’s been reported that the participants who paid almost $10,000 for the retreat, fasted for 36 hours and then had a breakfast buffet on the day of the sweat lodge. James Ray is now facing possible homicide charges.
The sweat lodge is a Native American tradition and ritual that has been around for hundreds of years. So, what possible mistakes did James Ray make that could have resulted in these deaths?
Some commentators such as marketing expert and author, Dave Lakhani, have criticized James Arthur Ray, accusing him of “cult tactics” and accusing the Law of Attraction as being nothing more than a “cult” belief.
How and why do we create gurus? Is the creation of a guru the first step before the formation of a cult? How do people get seduced into cults? How and why do people get conned?
Jim Peake of mysuccessgateway.com interviews Human Behavior Expert Patrick Wanis PhD to discuss the dangers of gurus and cults and to delve into the motivations and reasons people create gurus, get enticed by them and how to beware falling prey to cults and brainwashing.
Click play below and listen now.
Patrick Wanis, PhD, is a renowned relationship and behavioral expert with over 25 years of experience. Creator of SRTT Therapy (Subconscious Rapid Transformation Technique), he specializes in resolving root causes of trauma and other conditions without reliving pain or retraumatization. He has developed various psychological assessments on emotional intelligence, relationships, self-sabotage, and authenticity, and serves diverse clients from celebrities to teens. A trusted media source, Global media including CNN, BBC, FOX News turn to Wanis for insights into relationships, sexuality, human motivation, trauma, communication, body language, and persuasion.